The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - V
Myths and Legends of Gaṅgā - Gaṅgā Flows in Heaven, Earth, and Hell
Goddess Gaṅgā assumed the form of a river and flowed in all the three worlds, celestial, terrestrial, and subterranean. In the celestial region, she has three streams known as Swargaṅgā, Mandākini and Alakanaṅdā. In the terrestrial region, she begins her course from Gaṅgotrī in the Himālayās to finally merge with the Bay of Bengal, and is known as the river Ganges or Gaṅgā. Ancient texts tell that on earth, seven streams of Gaṅgā are flowing, namely, Hlādini, Pāvani, Nalini, Sitā, Siṅdhu, Suchakśu and Bhāgirathi. In the subterranean region, Gaṅgā is known as Vaitārini, and a departed soul has to cross this river to reach hell. Vaitārini, is also known as Pātāla Gaṅgā.
Some sources claim that goddess Gaṅgā flows in the heaven as Mandākini, on the earth as Gaṅgā, and in the nether world as Bhogāvati or Bhāgirathi. Since she is present in Swarga, Prithvi, and Pātāla, she is also known as Tripathagā or Tripathagāmini - one who travels three paths or three worlds.
Published by Rajen Jani
Rajen Jani is a professional freelance writer and editor with 24+ years of experience. View profile
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - IVArticle describes the myths and legends of the river Ganges or Gaṅgā. Gaṅgā in the Vedas
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - VIIIArticle describes the myths and legends of the river Ganges or Gaṅgā. Gaṅgā as foster-mother of Kārtikkeya
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - XIVArticle describes the myths and legends of the river Ganges or Gaṅgā. Gaṅgā and Kālī
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - VIArticle describes the myths and legends of the river Ganges or Gaṅgā. Gaṅgā as a mother or Mā Gaṅgā
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - VIIArticle describes the myths and legends of the river Ganges or Gaṅgā. Gaṅgā as mother of Ganeśa
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - XVII
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - II
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - XVIII
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - III
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - XVI
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - I
- The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - XI